I'm Major Jackson and this is the Slowdown.

This week we're doing something special.

We're exploring poetry and all of its forms with kids who write, rhyme and sing about

their lives.

Today, our co-host is Cat.

She's 16 years old, a black belt and karate and a rock star performer.

She also writes poetry and workshops her writing with her friend, Olivia.

They spent some time in the park the other day, hashing out a new piece she's been working

on.

So I want your advice on this part and it goes, and in the dashing silence in between

the notes of a vehement cacophony of music, me, thank you and good night.

I think the attitudes need a little reworking, because I feel like in such a short poem

each word needs to have a very specific purpose.

Cat took the advice and stride because they trust each other.

They first started working together when Cat was rehearsing the poem, Azimandias, for

poetry out loud competition.

I vividly remember that moment actually because I was like sitting in my room.

I think it was like 2am because the lights were off.

And then I started reading Azimandias in like the most dramatic whisper voice because

I didn't want to wake up my sister.

And then you were like, not cheering me on because you were also telling me I need to

be meaner.

...